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However, the situation could become complex very quickly with numerous forms to complete and evidence that must be presented. Whether you are seeking protection or find yourself being falsely accused, you need a Pittsburgh PFA (protection from abuse) lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Our Pittsburgh PFA (protection from abuse) lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC have years of experience helping people handle domestic violence situations. Contact attorney Anthony Piccirilli today at (412) 471-5100 to find out how our a local PFA attorney can help you.
Domestic violence is a term used to describe acts of abuse that are committed by certain people, such as family and household members. However, domestic violence can be committed by a range of individuals who are related to the victim in some way. A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Pennsylvania can provide protection from any of the following individuals:
A PFA in Pennsylvania is a legal decree issued by a judge. In most cases, this order forbids all contact. This means that the alleged assailant is forbidden from contacting the victim at their home, school, workplace, or place of business.
The person being accused of domestic abuse is not allowed to contact the victim through a third party, such as a friend or family member. In most circumstances, a judge will also forbid the accuser from making contact with the accused. These orders can last for up to three years.
Obtaining this court-issued protection has many steps, including filing a petition and attending a court hearing to prove that domestic violence is taking place. Fortunately, Protection from Abuse (PFA) advocates exist to help people understand their options.
A PFA advocate is a legal professional that helps victims of domestic abuse obtain Protection from Abuse orders. They can be instrumental in helping you understand your options and decipher the basics of obtaining a protection order.
To obtain the assistance of a PFA advocate, a person simply needs to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or make a request through the court or your lawyer. In addition, the services of a PFA advocate are completely free.
However, to address the more complicated aspects of your civil case, you need the help of an experienced legal professional. Pittsburgh restraining order attorney can present you with legal strategies that may be effective in helping you obtain a PFA order.
We can help with all of the following:
When children are the victims of abuse, they need the help of adults to seek a protection order. We can assist you in obtaining the necessary protection that you need for a minor child who is in a difficult or dangerous situation.
The process to obtain a final order can be lengthy. If you need a protection order immediately or you need more time before your protection order hearing, we can help you consider your options and do what is best for you and your loved ones.
A Protection from Intimidation order is meant to protect minor children who are under the age of 18. They protect a child from intimidation, harassment, stalking, or other types of violence committed by an adult.
If a minor or adult has experienced sexual violence, they may choose to pursue a Sexual Violence Protection Order. However, victims cannot seek this type of order if the offender is a familial or household member.
The process for obtaining a PFA order in Pennsylvania usually begins with filling out and submitting a petition with a court of law. PFA advocates can be instrumental during this step, providing key insights related to what should and should not be included. Once this document has been submitted, a court hearing will be immediately scheduled. In fact, the law requires that a hearing for a protection order take place within 10 days of the petition being turned in.
At the hearing, both sides will be allowed to make their case. The accuser is tasked with convincing a judge that domestic abuse is taking place, while the accused is allowed an opportunity to defend themselves. These proceedings are civil in nature, but they do resemble a criminal trial.
If a protection order is eventually issued by a judge, the victim may even choose to move forward with criminal charges. If the judge is convinced that abuse is taking place, they will finalize a protection order. This order offers protection throughout the United States, and is not bound to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PFAs serve a vital purpose in society; however, false accusations are not uncommon. If you find yourself defending against a PFA, you may face serious consequences, even criminal charges. Our Pittsburgh PFA defense lawyers will listen to your side of the story and help you through this complicated situation.
Yes, a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order can be modified or extended in Pennsylvania. Final PFA orders may last up to three years and can be extended for additional periods if the court finds an ongoing risk of abuse or harm. Either party may request a modification, but only a judge can change or extend a PFA, and the court must determine that the protections are still necessary to keep the protected person or children safe.
Yes, PFA hearings in Pennsylvania are generally open to the public because they are civil court proceedings. However, judges may limit public access or protect sensitive information when safety, privacy, or the involvement of children is a concern. Courts can also keep addresses and certain personal details confidential to protect victims, even if the hearing itself is not closed.
Yes. A Pennsylvania Protection From Abuse (PFA) order can be enforced anywhere in the United States under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This federal law requires all states, territories, and tribal courts to honor valid protection orders from other jurisdictions. For a PFA to be enforceable, it must have been issued by a court with authority over the people involved, and the person it applies to must have been notified and given a chance to be heard. Law enforcement typically checks a national database of protection orders, but carrying a certified copy can help if verification is needed.
If you are dealing with a domestic violence situation, we can help. There are two sides to every story and we will compassionately listen to yours and make sure the court hears it. You may be worried about your future and unsure of what steps to take next. Let us help you understand your legal options and make the best decision in your situation.
Call Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC today at (412) 471-5100.